‘Blades of the Guardians: Wind Rises in the Desert’ Trailer Showcases Martial Arts Legends

Blades of the Guardians: Wind Rises in the Desert is a 2026 epic martial arts film directed by Yuen Woo-ping and inspired by the Chinese manhua Biao Ren.

This film features a star-studded ensemble of major action icons, produced by Damai Entertainment, Beijing Dengfeng International Culture Communications Company, and Woo Ping Pictures. It premiered in mainland China on February 17, coinciding with the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Set during the Sui dynasty, the narrative follows Dao Ma, a bounty hunter accompanied by his young nephew Xiao Qi. While traversing a village, Dao Ma becomes embroiled in political strife after declining a government offer to serve as a martial arts instructor for an official army. Even when tempted with wealth and a coveted sword, he opts to steer clear of court politics, showcasing his independent and resilient spirit.

The film stars Wu Jing as Dao Ma, alongside Nicholas Tse, Yu Shi, Ci Sha, Chen Lijun, Zhang Jin, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Jet Li, and many others, creating a vast cast of warriors, officials, and fighters. The plot emphasizes themes of martial codes, loyalty, and survival in a tumultuous and violent environment.

Production for the film received official approval in 2023, with Yuen Woo-ping confirmed as the director later that year. Wu Jing also took on the roles of producer and lead actor. Following this, more renowned martial arts stars, including Jet Li, joined the cast, enhancing the film’s status as a significant action project.

Before filming commenced, the cast underwent rigorous training. According to production notes, all principal actors were required to engage in structured preparation in martial arts, sword fighting, and horseback riding. Wu Jing also underwent significant physical preparation for his character, including growing his hair and beard to align with the character design and extensively training in action choreography.

Principal photography began in July 2024 in Xinjiang and Beijing, wrapping up later that year. However, the production encountered significant disruptions during post-production when a lead actress was removed due to controversy surrounding her academic records. Reports from Chinese media indicated that this situation led to reshoots and casting changes, with Chen Lijun stepping into the role. This process notably increased production costs and delayed the film’s release timeline.

Despite these hurdles, the film was completed and released in early 2026. International distribution was managed by Well Go USA Entertainment for North America, with additional releases in the United Kingdom and Ireland in April 2026.

With its extensive cast of martial arts stars, intense action sequences, and high production values, Blades of the Guardians: Wind Rises in the Desert is set to be a major modern wuxia blockbuster, aiming to revive large-scale traditional martial arts cinema for audiences worldwide.

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